(Occasional blog)
At the risk of being tasked of taking a 'negative' approach, it does seem that modern life has in the UK thrown up a considerable number of challenges and difficulties for 'good ol' ordinary and honest folk', whilst the 'wealthy and powerful' have been having it quite good, resulting in the questioning of some as to whether there's been a general trend moving away from democracies towards plutocracies - the 'upper echelons ' few holding the reins of power - ? The distribution of wealth, for instance, is said to have narrowed considerably.
The role of money may have changed somewhat in stronger self-orientated times, and staff management styles reverted more to more authoritarian modes which can have contributed to more constrained conditions for those of the 'freerange' bent - ? The changing role of money is examined, along with relevant business modes.
The semi self-sufficiency style of life here at the organic micro-holding (small smallholding) in the UK heartlands has mitigated against the life problems due to the considerable cost of living rises here over the last couple of years, helping on several fronts. This year's growing efforts have been hampered at times by quite cold spring and summer air temperatutes, along with 'natural' pest attacks in the form of carerpillar attacks on the brassica plants - 'caterplillar carnage' has had to have been the order of the day otherwise there'd be no production. Crops of potatoes, onions, broad beans, peas , celery and runner beans have been variable - no two growing seasons are ever the same.
Energy costs have been kept to reasonable levels by using more wood stored on site, and bringing into use other supplies, such as smokeless fuels, also stored here and purchased previously at lower prices. Some cottage painting has occurred, along with general improvements here and there.
